VehicleVerdict

1999 Toyota Sienna problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

A typical year for this model

The 1999 Toyota Sienna sits mid-pack among Sienna years: 250 NHTSA complaints against a model median of roughly 238, with 3 recalls and 2 closed investigations. Reports tied to this model year include one death and 27 injuries, per the complaint records themselves.

No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across engine (40), body & structure (36), and tires & wheels (31), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect.

250

NHTSA complaints

3

Recalls

2

Investigations

17

Crash-involved

4

Fires reported

27

Injuries

1

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 1999 compare to other Sienna years?

Sienna NHTSA complaints by model year, 1999 highlighted2,588 complaints1996: 3 complaints1997: 2 complaints1998: 352 complaints1999: 250 complaints2000: 459 complaints2001: 238 complaints2002: 225 complaints2003: 124 complaints2004: 2,588 complaints2005: 1,418 complaints2006: 1,284 complaints2007: 450 complaints2008: 570 complaints2009: 270 complaints2010: 227 complaints2011: 813 complaints2012: 331 complaints2013: 226 complaints2014: 207 complaints2015: 291 complaints2016: 98 complaints2017: 199 complaints2018: 85 complaints2019: 58 complaints2020: 48 complaints
Sienna NHTSA complaints by model year, 1999 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Sienna years to avoid →

What are the most common 1999 Toyota Sienna problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Engine4016%
Body & Structure3614%
Tires & Wheels3112%
Steering218%
Latches & Locks198%
Brakes156%
Other146%
Suspension146%
Electrical System125%
Transmission114%
Airbags73%
Seat Belts62%
Fuel System62%
Speed Control52%
Visibility & Wipers52%
Lighting42%
Seats21%
Child Seat21%

Does the 1999 Toyota Sienna have recalls?

3 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

10V160000Body & StructureApril 20, 2010 · 600,000 units

Defect

TOYOTA IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 1998 THROUGH 2010 SIENNA PASSENGER VEHICLES MANUFACTURED BETWEEN AUGUST 7, 1997 AND JANUARY 4, 2010, CURRENTLY REGISTERED IN OR ORIGINALLY SOLD IN CONNECTICUT, DELAWARE, ILLINOIS, INDIANA, KENTUCKY, MAINE, MARYLAND, MASSACHUSETTS, MICHIGAN, MINNESOTA, NEW HAMPSHIRE, NEW JERSEY, NEW YORK, OHIO, PENNSYLVANIA, RHODE ISLAND, VERMONT, WASHINGTON DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA, VIRGINIA, WEST VIRGINIA, AND WISCONSIN. THE SUBJECT VEHICLES ARE EQUIPPED WITH THE SPARE TIRE STOWED UNDER THE VEHICLE. IF THE VEHICLE IS OPERATED IN THE COLD CLIMATE REGIONS OF THE UNITED STATES WHERE ROAD SALT IS FREQUENTLY USED, WATER SPLASHED BACKWARDS WITH HIGH CONCENTRATIONS OF ROAD SALT CAN REACH THE SPARE TIRE CARRIER AND CORRODE THE SPARE TIRE CARRIER ASSEMBLY CABLE.

Consequence

THE CABLE MAY BREAK DUE TO EXCESSIVE CORROSION AND THE SPARE TIRE MAY SEPARATE FROM THE VEHICLE, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH.

Remedy

TOYOTA WILL NOTIFY OWNERS WITH AN INTERIM LETTER INITIALLY INSTRUCTING THEM TO BRING THEIR VEHICLE TO AUTHORIZED DEALERS TO INSPECT FOR CORROSION. A SECOND NOTICE WILL BE SENT WHEN THE PERMANENT REMEDY IS AVAILABLE. FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE SEE TOYOTA'S AMENDED RECALL REPORT OF JULY 19, 2010. THE SAFETY RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN ON OCTOBER 12, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT TOYOTA AT 1-800-331-4331.

98E035000Electrical SystemOctober 19, 1998 · 1,960 units

Defect

EQUIPMENT DESCRIPTION: AFTERMARKET THEFT DETERRENT SYSTEMS USED ON 1998-1998 TOYOTA RAV4, AVALON, AND SIENNA MODEL VEHICLES DISTRIBUTED BY SOUTHEAST TOYOTA DISTRIBUTORS, INC. IN THE STATES OF ALABAMA, FLORIDA, GEORGIA, NORTH AND SOUTH CAROLINA. THE ALARM WIRING HARNESS PLUGS INTO THE VEHICLE'S IGNITION SWITCH AND THE VEHICLE'S IGNITION SWITCH WIRING HARNESS PLUGS INTO THE ALARM HARNESS TO COMPLETE THE CIRCUIT. A PERCENTAGE OF THE FEMALE TERMINALS USED IN THE ALARM CONNECTOR WERE FOUND TO BE DEFECTIVE, CAUSING AN "OPEN CIRCUIT" CONDITION WHEN MATED TO THE MALE IGNITION SWITCH TERMINALS.

Consequence

THIS CONDITION CAN CAUSE INTERMITTENT PERFORMANCE OF THE VEHICLE'S ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS SUCH AS THE DASH WARNING LIGHTS AND/OR HVAC FAN SPEED CONTROLS. ALSO, THE VEHICLE MAY NOT RUN SMOOTHLY AND COULD STALL.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE DATE CODE LABEL ON THE SECURITY SYSTEM HARNESS AND ANY DISPLAYING THE MANUFACTURING/FINAL DATE CODE WILL BE REPLACED WITH NEWLY PRODUCED HARNESSES. THE DATE CODES ARE: RAV4 - 6/24/98, 6/25/98, 6/26/98; SIENNA - 6/25/98, 6/26/98; AND AVALON - 6/30/98, 7/1/98, 8/31/98, 9/1/98, 9/2/98, AND 9/3/98.

98V278000Electrical SystemOctober 19, 1998 · 1,960 units

Defect

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, MINI VANS AND PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH A THEFT DETERRENT SYSTEMS (TDS) SUPPLIED BY AUDIOVOX CORPORATION AND DISTRIBUTED BY SOUTHEAST TOYOTA DISTRIBUTORS, INC. IN THE STATES OF ALABAMA, FLORIDA, GEORGIA, NORTH AND SOUTH CAROLINA. THE ALARM WIRING HARNESS PLUGS INTO THE VEHICLE'S IGNITION SWITCH AND THE VEHICLE'S IGNITION SWITCH WIRING HARNESS PLUGS INTO THE ALARM HARNESS TO COMPLETE THE CIRCUIT. A PERCENTAGE OF THE FEMALE TERMINALS USED IN THE ALARM CONNECTOR WERE FOUND TO BE DEFECTIVE, CAUSING AN 'OPEN CIRCUIT' CONDITION WHEN MATED TO THE MALE IGNITION SWITCH TERMINALS.

Consequence

THIS CONDITION CAN CAUSE INTERMITTENT PERFORMANCE OF THE VEHICLE'S ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS SUCH AS THE DASH WARNING LIGHTS AND/OR HVAC FAN SPEED CONTROLS. ALSO, THE VEHICLE MAY NOT RUN SMOOTHLY AND COULD STALL.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE DATE CODE LABEL ON THE SECURITY SYSTEM HARNESS AND ANY DISPLAYING THE MANUFACTURING/FINAL DATE CODE WILL BE REPLACED WITH NEWLY PRODUCED HARNESSES. THE DATE CODES ARE: RAV4 - 6/24/98, 6/25/98, 6/26/98; SIENNA - 6/25/98, 6/26/98; AND AVALON - 6/30/98, 7/1/98, 8/31/98, 9/1/98, 9/2/98, AND 9/3/98.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“MY WIFE WAS DRIVING ON THE FLORIDA TURNPIKE WITH OUR SONS (AGES 3 AND 1) IN THE VEHICLE. THE ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON AND THE ENGINE DIED. SHE COASTED OVER TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. SHE STAYED IN VEHICLE AND KEPT THE BOYS IN THEIR CAR SEATS AS SHE WAS ALONG A MAJOR HIGHWAY. A ROAD SIDE ASSISTANCE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · August 3, 2005 · fire

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 TOYOTA SIENNA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FRONT AND REAR BUMPER FAILED. THE BUMPER WAS MADE WITH DEFECTIVE MATERIAL THAT CAUSED THE BUMPER TO CRACK AND DENT EASILY WHEN STRUCK. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Body & Structure · September 1, 2009

“WHILE DRIVING, MY SPARE TIRE FELL FROM UNDERNEATH MY CAR DUE TO THE FACT THAT THE CABLES SNAPPED. THE CAR BEHIND ME RAN OVER IT AND I AM NOW BEING CHARGED FOR THE DAMAGES TO THAT PERSON'S CAR. *TR”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Tires & Wheels · November 13, 2014 · crash

“UPON ACCELERATION AND MAKING A LEFT HAND TURN, STEERING WHEEL STUCK, CAUSING POOR STEERING CONTROL. CONSUMER HAS CONTACTED DEALER, DEALER HAS YET TO DETERMINE THE CAUSE. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY FURTHER DETAILS. *AK”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Steering · crash

“PUSH BUTTON ON BOTH SIDE SLIDING DOORS STICKS IN, PREVENTING LATCHING OF DOORS. HAVE TO JIMMY OUT THE PUSH BUTTON BEFORE THE DOOR WILL LATCH. LUBRICATION HELPS TEMPORARILY, BUT THE PROBLEM WORSENS DURING HOT DAYS. SERVICE DEPT. AT DEALER SAYS THAT THIS IS DUE TO A PROBLEM WITH THE LATCH ASSEMBLY.…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Latches & Locks · May 1, 2001

1999 Toyota Sienna — common questions

Is the 1999 Toyota Sienna reliable?

It is close to typical for the Sienna: 250 NHTSA complaints, 3 recalls, and 2 investigations on file.

What are the most common 1999 Sienna problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are engine (40 complaints), body & structure (36 complaints), tires & wheels (31 complaints).

Does the 1999 Toyota Sienna have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns affecting the 1999 Toyota Sienna. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 1999 Toyota Sienna under NHTSA investigation?

NHTSA opened 2 investigations into this model year; all are now closed.

Which Toyota Sienna years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Sienna years to avoid are 2004, 2005, 2006, 2011, 2008, 2000, 2007, 2012, 2013, 2014. The cleanest record among Sienna years belongs to 1997.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.